Definition of star
(Entry 1 of 3)
1a
: a natural luminous body visible in the sky especially at night
b
: a self-luminous gaseous spheroidal celestial body of great mass which produces energy by means of nuclear fusion reactions
2a(1)
: a planet or a configuration of the planets that is held in astrology to influence one's destiny or fortune
—usually used in plural
(2)
: a waxing or waning fortune or fame
her star was rising
b
: an often star-shaped ornament or medal worn as a badge of honor, authority, or rank or as the insignia of an order
c
: one of a group of conventional stars used to place something in a scale of value
4
: something resembling a star
was hit on the head and saw stars
5a
: the principal member of a theatrical or operatic company who usually plays the chief roles
b
: a highly publicized theatrical or motion-picture performer
c
: an outstandingly talented performer
a track star
d
: a person who is preeminent in a particular field
star
verb
starred; starring; stars
Definition of star (Entry 2 of 3)
1a
intransitive
: to play the most prominent or important role in a movie, play, etc.
an actor currently starring in a hit Broadway show She had a starring role in his latest film. (figurative) Tequila and blood oranges star in this Margarita, which gets a spicy kick from homemade jalapeño syrup.— Natalie Migliarini
b
transitive
: to feature (a performer) in the most prominent or important role
a movie that stars a famous stage personality
2
intransitive
: to perform outstandingly
In the fall of 1925, Elkins starred on the gridiron …— Bil Gilbert [Alan] Trammell, who starred for the Tigers at shortstop during the glory days of the 1980s …— Jeff Bradley
3
transitive
a
: to mark with a star as being superior or preeminent in some way
a monument starred in the guidebook a starred review
b
: to mark with an asterisk
4
transitive
: to sprinkle or adorn with or as if with stars
… meadows starred with buttercups and daisies.— Kenneth Roberts
star
adjectiveDefinition of star (Entry 3 of 3)
1
: of, relating to, or being a star
received star billing
2
: of outstanding excellence : preeminent
a star athlete
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for star
The first known use of star was before the 12th century
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